Beverley Willcox
A passionate traveller, Beverley has been leading trips abroad for more than twelve years. Her studies include art history at the University of London, and she has lived in the Middle East.


Robert Hillenbrand
is Professor of Islamic Art at the University of Edinburgh. He has been described as ‘arguably the greatest living authority’ on the architecture of Islam. Among well over 100 publications are his magisterial “Islamic Architecture” (EUP 1994) as well as the best short introduction to Islamic art for laymen – “Islamic Art and Architecture” (T&H 1999)


Carole Hillenbrand
is Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Edinburgh, with an equally stellar reputation in her field – most recent consolidated by her groundbreaking book “The Crusades – Islamic Perspectives” (EUP 1999) which for the first time analyses the Crusades entirely from the “other” side. She speaks several oriental languages, including Arabic.


Paul Baker
Paul is an experienced leader of expeditions to Borneo, Morocco, France and Kenya. He has travelled with children and families for the last 30 years.


John Osborne
John taught Classics at Marlborough College for over thirty years and also worked for the British Council in Iran and Turkey. He has developed a special enthusiasm for, and knowledge of Bulgaria, which he has visited regularly in recent years. He has taught himself Bulgarian and has led numerous special interest tours to the country.


Alastair Lack
Alastair worked almost thirty years with the BBC World Service as a presenter and producer of current affairs and documentary programmes. He frequently visited Belfast to cover the Troubles. He has a long and enthusiastic interest in Ireland, both north and south, and its history. Subsequently he has been the Secretary of the Oxford University Society and is a member of the Oxford Guild of Guides. He is also a keen walker.


Christopher Scott and Bartle Frere
They have been leading groups on the Somme tour for over 10 years. Bartle has written a very useful guidebook/history, which you will receive at the end of the trip.

Wendy Baugh
Wendy is an artist whose work features expressive figures and landscapes in mixed media. She had exhibited in London and the Home Counties, and run Art at two prep schools.

William and Elizabeth van Tromp
Will and Liz joined the Dragon School in 2008. Prior to his arrival, Will had a varied career as a restaurateur and running his own businesses. He also spent several years working with disadvantaged teenagers for the Somerset Social Services. Will is also extensively travelled and has a keen interest in ancient history and archaeology. On her part, Liz was a Director of Music for over fourteen years at two other leading prep schools in the south of England. As a choral specialist she has taken many choirs on tour both within Europe and further a field in the USA and Canada. She has also assumed various cultural and leisurely (skiing) responsibilities on other school trips.